Maine Republican lawmakers are outraged by a Bangor newspaper's request to police agencies across the state for lists of concealed weapons permit holders.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Republicans held a news conference Thursday asking for quick action on a bill that would outlaw release of confidential information on concealed weapons permit holders. It was held after the Bangor Daily News invoked Maine's freedom of access law in asking police to release the data.

Republican lawmakers say releasing such information, as a New York newspaper recently did, could leave gun owners vulnerable to thefts, and endanger non-owners of guns.

The newspaper said it requested the records as part of long-term reporting projects on domestic violence, sexual assault and drug abuse. The newspaper said it's never had any intention to release identifying information about permit holders.